Saint Johns Yard

You'll find Saint Johns Yard tucked away on St John's Road, just far enough from the Pantiles to feel properly neighbourhoody rather than tourist-trap. The courtyard setup is the real draw here — it's got that rare quality of being simultaneously relaxed and buzzy, the kind of spot where you're equally comfortable nursing a pint alone or joining mates for a proper meal. The food side of things takes itself seriously without the faffing about, and locals keep coming back because it actually delivers. With nearly 930 reviews sitting at 4.6 stars, people clearly aren't just coming for the drinks.